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Comment by Kat Lampkins on April 4, 2013 at 3:22am

Thanks!! The stores that sell the TOTW are Tractor Supply. Yes she's young she's just turned 6 months on the 23rd.

I'm soooo glad I have this forum for the wonderful people and help!!

Comment by Kim & Stumpy N on April 4, 2013 at 1:15am

Hey Kat. Luckily Stumpy hasn't had any allergic reactions but I did look into a LOT of different dog foods so I could feed a great food while still remaining in my budget. Even though it may seem like a lot per bag, essentially with higher quality ingredients--less or no fillers like corn, you get to feed less of it so the bag lasts longer. And feeding better quality foods means less problems down the line and visits to the vet!(well one would hope)

The most affordable, great quality foods that were in my budget: Canidae all life stages, Taste of the wild, Chicken soup for the dog lovers soul, Kirkland salmon & sweet potato, 4health (sold at Tractor Supply Co).

Stumpy was fed purina puppy from her breeder, ate wellness core grain free then canidae ALS as a pup. Now she eats Taste of the wild (wetlands). If allergies are a concern, try a single protein like kirkland salmon/sweet potato or TOTW salmon and go from there. I've also read that switching to a more "exotic" meat, like TOTW's Prairie formula(venison & bison) can really help on the allergies. Also look into local feed stores or tractor supply co in your area, often times they actually have great prices even when compared to Amazon! I was able to find Taste of the Wild(all flavors) for $39.99 at 2 local pet food stores(Pet Club & Pet Food Depot). Good luck!

Comment by Jane Christensen on April 3, 2013 at 11:15pm

How old is she? I think she might be young? If under 18 months go with the salmon because of the lower protein. The rest are way too high for a pup.

Comment by Priss, Charlie & Kaylee (PK) on April 3, 2013 at 9:36pm

Hey, my previous dog had the symptoms you described. We added fish oil and cooked egg to her diet and switched her on to a premium food. This was the 90s and it wasn't as easy to find. The oil and egg won't cost a lot and may give your pup some relief.

Kaylee is currently on Blue (Chicken and Rice) and doesn't seem to be allergic to the ingredients. I'm currently trying out Honest Kitchen to see if she likes it. It'll probably turn out to be about the same price (maybe a little more) if we switch. I've heard good things about it clearing up coats. 

I do understand the issue of feeding a $50/30lbs of dog food, but compare what you currently feed to our regimen. We currently feed our active 1.25 yr old about 1 cup (measured) split into two portions a day (~450 calories/day). She also gets treats like peanut butter, non-fat yogurt, and canned pumpkin, plus training treats. The 30lb bag is still only about half empty and we bought it in December. For us, 1 cup a day is enough to maintain the weight of a 1 year old who is quite active for an apartment dog (1 mile walk + 2x20 min fetch per day, and weekly or twice weekly daycare).

Depending on how much your dog needs, you might find you can get away with less. I would figure out how many calories you are feeding currently and what that would translate to in a premium food. The equivalent for Kaylee's diet (calorie wise) of TotW is about 1 1/4 cup/day. You could probably get 3+ months out of a 30lb bag.

Comment by Linda on April 3, 2013 at 7:21pm

I have had both dogs and the 3 cats on Blue for over a year now and I am very happy with it.  I use the one in the yellow bag for weight..corgis can pack it on.  My male has a real tendency to put on weight over the winter with less exercise but with the Blue he doesn't.  Their coats are good and they are very playful.  I do mix in green beans and use carrots as treats.

And a bag of the higher quality tho expensive to buy, does last a long time.

Comment by Nina & Nellie on April 3, 2013 at 7:15pm

I've heard that the 1 protein flavors are better for the dogs, though I bought the Prairie flavor for my dog so I don't think it matters too much. I think it's just the pickier dogs who like the Prairie flavor more because it has different types of protein in it, so it's really up to you.

Green beans are great for fullness! So are carrots and apples as a snack. And it's good that you don't give her people food... cuts down on begging at the table :)

Comment by Kat Lampkins on April 3, 2013 at 6:59pm

 Thanks for the replies. So if I go for TOTW.. I found stores that sell it both local in Anderson and in Athens GA where we work. .Which one (flavour) is better? And what type of serving should I be giving her? I've read that generally what they tell you is dreaming on the bag. She gets NO people food,though I did give her a couple green beans the other night as I've read often here that helps with fullness. I did it just to see if she'd eat it.

Comment by Jane Christensen on April 3, 2013 at 6:38pm

I recently switched my rescues to a mid grade food and 6 weeks later they are back on Canidea...2 out of the 3 did not do well and just seemed overall less healthy. They appear to be feeling better and look better again. I just had a "feeling" the new food didn't agree and yes, quality food you don't need as much:) I did hear tummy gurgles with the mid grade as well as them just not being as energetic...maybe due to tummy problems? Guess I will be sticking with my 2 faves...Canidea and TOTW.

Comment by Nina & Nellie on April 3, 2013 at 6:31pm

Taste of the Wild is probably the most affordable premium grain-free dry food out there, and my puppy loves it. A large bag can last a corgi forever (like 3-4 months) and you don't have to feed as much as a lower quality food. It is NOT allergen free, as some dogs can be allergic to potato, but if it works for you then it is a great food. It's around $50 a bag, maybe $60 at the very very very most.

Wellness is comparable in price but I don't like the ingredients as much. They have a CORE grain-free label that I haven't tried but is supposedly good. Orijen can be harder to find in a store so not great if you're the type who leaves shopping to the last minute ;)

I would stay away from Blue Buffalo, Evo, Innova, and California Natural. They are all under P&G and constantly have recalls after they were bought out.

Comment by Ludi on April 3, 2013 at 6:06pm

Here's a couple things you need to keep in mind when you decide to go for a "premium" brand. You're not going to be feeding as much of it to your dog as it is far more nutrient-dense than "cheap" brands. So one bag will go a lot longer.

Purina One is not a terrific food. Some dogs can thrive on it, sure. I'm sure many are doing "okay" on it, which is more than enough for many dog owners. Its ingredients list paints a pretty clear picture of the quality of the food - after the primary protein, it's all rice and corn. Not really ideal in this day and age.

There are some brands you can look in to that are affordable and quite decent quality. If you're a Costco member, try the Kirkland line there; I have heard some great things about it. Other popular brands include Blue Buffalo, Taste of the Wild, Acana, Orijen, and Wellness. I personally prefer Orijen out of all the premium brands, as it has proven for me time and time again to be the one giving my dogs ideal stools, no doggy odour, no gas, lovely teeth (kibble size is important!) and it lasts ages since I do not need to feed much of it.